Sailmaker News

Westaway Sails, a Devon-based sailmaker specialising in racing, traditional and cruising sails, is celebrating its 55th anniversary. For all these years the company has proudly produced British-made sails in-house, blending craftsmanship with innovation to serve sailors across the UK and beyond. Since 1971, Westaway has built a reputation for durable, high-performing sails trusted by cruising families, racing sailors and some of Britain’s most iconic sailors.

From their early days Westaway earned respect as a loft dedicated to quality and reliability. Their sails have crossed oceans and circumnavigated the globe carried by sailors such as Dame Ellen MacArthur, Sir Robin Knox-Johnston, Sir Chay Blyth and Lisa Clayton. Known for longevity – many lasting over 15 years – Westaway sails have become synonymous with endurance and performance.

Leading this legacy is Royal Torbay Yacht Club’s sailor John Pollard, who took the reins in 2001:

“Celebrating 55 years is a remarkable milestone for Westaway Sails,” – he says. “I’m proud to be leading the team these days, working with people who share my passion for quality, innovation and helping sailors get the very best from their sails.”

This sailmaker offers a wide range of sails valued for their robustness, simplicity and long service life qualities that reflect Westaway’s commitment to performance and durability.

For over 55 years the loft has been providing not only new sails, but offered full repair, service, washing, removal and refitting of sails, covers and canvas – making their offer to a customer a 360-degree approach.

Beyond technology Westaway values close connections with sailors, having supported fleets, classes and clubs for decades. A dedicated sailor himself, John is a multi-World and European champion in various classes. His SB20 proudly carries the Westaway Sails logo across Europe, Asia and Australia.

Sailing has taught John patience, resilience, teamwork and the ability to read changing conditions – lessons that have, perhaps, guided him in leading Westaway Sails to make quick decisions under pressure and balance risk with strategy to keep the company thriving.

“We value quality and service,” – he says. “Quick turnaround times and attentive support are what we aim for. From new sails to urgent repairs, we want to keep sailors on the water with minimal disruption.”

The 55th anniversary celebrates not only past achievements, but also the people behind the sails – skilled loft staff, loyal sailors and the wider community. Among them are team members whose dedication spans generations: one of the Westaway’s machinists has been with the company for more than 40 years, while the loft manager began as an apprentice and has proudly served for over 22 years.

In recognition of their contribution to British manufacturing, Westaway Sails have been nominated for the prestigious King’s Award for Enterprise in Manufacturing. The award honours companies that demonstrate exceptional standards in such areas as innovation, sustainability, international trade and the promotion of opportunity.

“To see our work trusted across the UK and around the world is hugely rewarding,” – concludes John. “I am excited for the next chapter in our story.”

As Westaway Sails look ahead to the next chapter their dedication to quality, performance and the sailing community will continue to carry the brand forward – just as their sails have carried sailors across the seas and generations for all these years.

Text: Anna Zyk

Photo credits:

1. Ed Smith / Yachting Monthly
2. John Pollard / Westaway Sails
3. Luis Fraguas / CNCascais=

Congratulations a fantastic result with a full westaway sails inventory including mainsail sail cover ,fantastic result with great people

Pictured here collecting the silver bowl which has not left the Scillies for 30 years the veto crew had to leave the trophy on the island well done many congratulations

Back from 6M Europeans in Falmouth won many races proving our latest GPL mainsail,genoas and dimension spinnakers are right on the pace we won a majority of the races against the world big names such as Americas cup fame rod Davis on all the big lofts such as north,quantum,Doyle etc

Well done team Westaway you guys made me look good on the race course and very proud ashore your design manufacture and finishing was second to none using 100% dimension polyant fabrics

Quote from the owner ” best sails I have ever had “

Winter is upon us and we are now busy removing and collecting sails from our free collection points around Devon. Sails can be either removed from the yacht by our team or collected from convenient collection and drop off points.

Sails are washed and treated with a anti -fungal solution reducing airborne growth such as algae and mildew growth and staining. Once cleaned they are fully checked, serviced and any necessary repairs made and stored ready for the coming season.

JOHN Pollard and his Xcellent team are looking forward to the World Championships and the Asian Cup this year after a successful finish to 2013. Pollard and his team have enjoyed a successful end to 2013, winning both the French and the Dutch National Championships.

He said they are now hoping to further their achievements in 2014, with the Asian Cup in Singapore and the World Championships in St Petersburg for this September. Victory in the French National Championships, held in the Olympic venue of Hyeres, came at the end of November.

Held over the course of three days, Pollard and his team dominated the first day of racing and finished by taking first place overall. The week before, team Xcellent went on to win the Dutch National Championships which were held in Torquay’s twin town of Hamelin. Both of the world-class SB20 events attracted over 20 teams representing their home countries including Russia, Belgium, Germany and Italy. Read more here

Invest in the future is one of our many mottos. Long established South Devon College had an open day recently and we were fortunate enough to have the chance to meet some of the students.

One of whom is coming to join us at Westaway Sails as an apprentice in 2015. Wendy who has been with us for 38 years was very happy to show some sail making skills on the repair of a spinnaker.

Team Westaway Sails last weekend won the 2013 Med Cup Sportsboat Championship in Hyeres in the South of France posting a score card of 1,1,1,2,2,1 to win the series against tough professional competition from two Russian teams.

The series was held in windy conditions ranging from 10 knots to over 30 knots with a feat of 20 teams competing Team Westaway with John pollard on the helm dominated the regatta with team Russia finishing second and third.

All sails and covers supplied and fitted for a two year global cruse, picture here is of the bespoke self tacking jib with adjustable sheet lead and hardware all to the latest design for power trade wind reaching. We wish them well on their travels.

Picture of GPS sail testing a new laminate code zero on clients light displacement 33 foot racing machine. The sail is designed using Sail Pak sail makers software. During testing the sail was digitally pictured and the design to actual flying shape were compared on the Mac Book in the coffee shop afterwards. The exhilarating sail achieved a max speed of 21.7 knots in 24 knots of wet southeasterly winds.